At just seven years old, EmauniJ Manley made a significant impact on her Maryland International School community by raising thousands of dollars to help her classmates who struggle to afford lunch.
What started as a simple observation of students eating alternative meals, like cheese sandwiches, sparked an extraordinary act of kindness that quickly gained momentum.
After noticing that some of her peers couldn’t afford proper lunches, EmauniJ took it upon herself to make a difference.
“I saw some kids just eating a cheese sandwich. I need to do a fundraiser so I can get more money for kids,” she told NBC in 2021.
With the support of her mother, who also works at the school, EmauniJ launched a Facebook fundraiser to cover the lunch debts of as many students as possible.
The initial goal was to raise $800, but within a week, the campaign exceeded all expectations, bringing in over $4,300.
The school’s principal, Ben Harrington, praised EmauniJ’s initiative and compassion.
“It’s really cool to see a student who’s 7 taking the initiative to impact other students at the school,” Harrington said.
According to the principal, approximately 100 out of 500 students receive alternative lunches due to unpaid accounts, despite efforts by the school system to address the issue.
EmauniJ’s incredible achievement is a testament to the power of young people stepping up to solve real-world problems.
Her dedication to helping her classmates demonstrates how one person’s determination, no matter their age, can inspire positive change in their community.
